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Christine Skinner
There’s captivating music and even a Pulitzer Prize-nominee for the June programme at The Drama Factory.
“Love Letters, starring two of our favourites, David Muller and Suzie Gehr is a wonderful, funny and moving play which was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize,” says Sue Diepeveen, Founder of The Drama Factory. “Directed by Celia Musikanth, it’s an enchanting tale of two people who share letters over 50 years.”
“Our music extravaganza this month includes Guitar Heroes with Mel Botes, celebrating the music of iconic guitar heroes such as Carlos Santana, Eric Clapton, JJ Cale, Gary Moore, Mark Knopfler, Jimi Hendrix and many more! Also don’t miss Franky Jones’ beautiful tribute to legendary singer Edith Piaf in Edith Piaf, The Untold Story. We’ve also got a range of other incredible music and even an innovative event to find out about other people, with ASK.”
The June line-up is:
Guitar Heroes with Mel Botes
31 May 19h30
Music
Tickets cost R200 / R180
Get ready for a six-string extravaganza! Acclaimed musician Mel Botes returns to The Drama Factory with an electrifying new show: Guitar Heroes. After captivating audiences for over 30 years with critically acclaimed tributes Crazy Diamond – Pink Floyd and Sultans of Swing – Dire Straits, Botes brings his unparalleled talent to a celebration of the guitar greats who have inspired him. But Botes isn't just paying homage. He seamlessly blends these classics with his own original work, creating a unique concert experience. Joined by a team of master musicians, this show also gives Mel the opportunity to showcase some of his original work together with that of a selection of the most successful rock guitarists of all time such as Carlos Santana, Eric Clapton, JJ Cale, David Gilmour, Gary Moore, Mark Knopfler, Jimi Hendrix, George Harrison, Chris Rea, BB King and many more. Guitar Heroes is a must-see for music lovers of all generations. Witness the magic unfold as Mel Botes and top-notch musicians, Simon Orange of The Blues Broers’ fame, on keyboards and Francois Kruger of Springbok Nude Girls’ fame, on drums, channels the spirit of legendary guitarists.
Love Letters (Featuring David Muller and Suzie Gehr)
Dramedy
1 June 15h00 and 2 June 16h00
Tickets cost R180 / R160 / R150
Love Letters by A R Gurney is a beautiful play which is at the same time nostalgic, funny and moving. It was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize and has been performed on Broadway and the West End with an array of brilliant actors playing Andy and Melissa. A man and a woman write letters to each other over the years. The text of the play is wonderfully written by Gurney. Audiences have been riveted from their first amusing letters written while still in puberty and spanning over fifty years of communication. The award-winning company comprises seasoned actors David Muller and Suzie Gehr with direction by perspicacious Celia Musikanth. Sit back and let the beautiful words of Love Letters wash over you.
ASK - A Stranger Kind
Saturday 8 June 11h00
Entrance is free – no booking required
What questions would you have for a brain tumour survivor, someone living with bipolar, a person that was adopted, someone on the autism spectrum, a motorbike enthusiast or a third culture kid if you could REALLY ask them anything in a one-on-one conversation? When you arrive at the venue you will find a list of the volunteers’ topics available for the day. Choose something that sparks your curiosity and sit down for a one-on-one conversation where you can hear their story and ask them anything about it. Not sure what to ask? There will be conversation starters available to take into your conversation. A pop up engaging format where people from the public are invited to talk to strangers and be curious. Still not sure how all of this works, just pop by and see what it is about and meet the team.It is a great way to meet other people, learn something new, connect with people you might not otherwise have had chance to.
Edith Piaf, The Untold Story
Featuring Franky Jones, accompanied by pianist Thinus Ries
Music and storytelling
9 June 16h00
Tickets cost R180 / R160
Guelph Theatre Productions presents a moving tribute to the legendary singer Edith Piaf, The Untold Story of the iconic star, emotionally interpreted by Franky Jones, accompanied by pianist Thinus Ries, will move you, to say the least. Piaf, “A world class event” according to newspapers and theatre goers, captures moments and hearts as they take you back to a time forgotten. Franky will perform 13 of Edith Piaf’s most famous songs like ‘No Regrets’, ‘La Vie En Rose’, ‘Milord’, ‘Under Paris Skies’, ‘Chante Moi’, ‘Autumn Leaves’ and ‘If You Love Me’ and ‘Heaven have Mercy’. The songs will be sung in English as what Edith performed in America. This emotional show will uplift your soul just as Edith Piaf has wanted it to be.
Neil Diamond Love Songs Presented by Johan Liebenberg
Featuring Johan Liebenberg and Kyle Petersen
23 June 16h00
Tickets cost R200 / R180
Johan Liebenberg, who has become synonymous with Neil Diamond’s music, and a firm favourite at The Drama Factory, invites you to join him on a nostalgic journey, celebrating the timeless love songs of the iconic, “Sweet Caroline” maestro. His tribute shows are truly of unparalleled quality, and this show is no exception! Having established himself as a standout performer in Neil Diamond’s repertoire, Johan with uncanny precision and artistry, breathes new life into beautiful, soul-stirring love songs like “Love on The Rocks”, “Play Me”, “Hello Again”, “Let Me Take You in My Arms Again”, “September Morn”, “I’ve Been This Way Before”, “Girl, You’ll Be A Woman Soon”, “The Story of My Life”, “If You Know What I Mean” (which reflects on two people reminiscing about old times and past love), “Lay Oh” (which was written for a female vocalist Neil Diamond would go and listen to after work), “I’m A Believer” (reveals that it is not just a dance-on-the tables tune, but a beautiful love song), and many more. Respected and talented keyboardist, Kyle Petersen, will be joining Johan on stage.
The Rrockettz New Generation present “A harmonious blend of past & present”
Featuring The Rockettz New Generation
30 June 16h00
Tickets cost R200 / R180
Backed by a formidable band of talented musicians, Manuel Losper, lead vocalist of The Rockettz New Generation band, takes centre stage, to transport the audience on a nostalgic musical journey infused with a harmonious blend of old and new featuring popular medleys, timeless old school and R & B hits, Pop, Rock, Ballads, Reggae and South African classics, as well as a few current, trending hits. Do you recall The Rockets, South Africa's enduring musical force that spanned from 1968 into the 2020s? Following the untimely passing of the late Jerry Watt, Manuel Losper and the other band members who performed with Jerry before his passing, rebranded and emerged as The Rockettz New Generation. Embarking on an exciting new chapter, this ensemble is ushering in a fresh era under the leadership of Manuel Losper, one of South Africa's premier male vocalists.
Bookings for all shows can be made at www.thedramafactory.co.za or contact 073 215 2290.
With its fully licensed bar and cosy, welcoming atmosphere, The Drama Factory is the perfect venue to enjoy top-quality entertainment with a group of friends or family. The solar-powered invertor ensures the show will always go on, even when there is load-shedding!
Make a staycation of a visit to The Drama Factory, booking in with one of their wonderful accommodation partners. Spend the night at The Views Guesthouse, 185 on Beach or Majorca House to enjoy the beauty and many other activities on offer in the surrounding Helderberg region. Visit the website for further details.
The Drama Factory is situated at 10 Comprop Sq, Henry Vos Close, Asla Business Park, Strand, Western Cape. Parking is available at the venue.